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Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board opposes recreational marijuana

By Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board Mahoning Matters

Ohio voters will have the chance to vote on the legalization of recreational marijuana on Nov. 7.

The Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board voted unanimously to pass a resolution opposing State Issue 2, the legalization of recreational marijuana in Ohio.

Risks of marijuana use

Here’s what they cited in their resolution:

According to research on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, there are risks to using marijuana on a regular basis.

About one in ten people who use marijuana will become addicted, according to the SAMHSA website.

When users start before age 18, the rate of addiction rises to 1 in 6.

Risks for young adults, drivers

Using marijuana can have negative and long-term effects on young adult’s developing mental health, causing increased reports of conditions like anxiety and depression.

There’s been no proven link between marijuana use causing these conditions.

Read more about a brain on cannabis and how it affects the dopamine system on the National Library of Medicine website.

People who drive under the influence of marijuana can experience dangerous effects on coordination.

Drivers often have slower reactions, weaving in between lanes and having trouble reacting to signals and sounds on the road.

Risks for pregnant women

According to SAMHSA, a mother who is using marijuana while pregnant or nursing could be negatively impacting their baby’s health and growth.

No amount of marijuana has been proven as safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Marijuana use during pregnancy could cause growth restriction, premature birth, stillbirth and problems with brain development for the baby.

THC and other chemicals from marijuana can be passed through breast milk, which could stunt a child’s healthy development.

Read more from SAMSHA about avoiding marijuana during pregnancy and breastfeeding to give your baby a healthier start in life.

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This story was originally published September 25, 2023 at 4:00 AM.